BenQ PD2500Q monitor review

BenQ is continuing to diversify their range with a screen specifically targeted at Graphic designers, video editors and photographers who require a more precise level of colour representation than pushing the hardware for maximum number of frames per second. Taking the time to present the colours as they would appear in the real world adds a lot of value to the screen for those professionals named earlier. The BenQ PD2500Q is a designer focused monitor that comes calibrated by professional engineers to produce 100% sRGB and Rec. 709 colour precision.

The BenQ PD2500Q is a 25-inch 60Hz monitor with a 4ms (GtG) response time. BenQ has used a 16:9 IPS panel on their PD2500Q monitor, a particular type of panel known to feature better colour consistency and wide viewing angle instead of a TN panel that typically provides faster response times at the expense of colours and lesser viewing angles. The BenQ PD2500Q costs around £310 on Amazon and comes with 3 years of warranty.

BenQ has been doing some great work with their monitors adding Flicker-Free Technology which is used to reduce or eliminate flickering and effectively reducing eye fatigue, Low Blue Light technology, and Brightness Intelligence Technology. The Brightness Intelligence technology detects the environment that you are in and changes the brightness and colour temperature of the monitor accordingly.

BenQ PD2500Q uses In-plane switching LCD technology, combined with an LED backlight, and the 2K resolution gives a pixel count of 2560×1440, which is higher than Full HD but not quite managing 4K. For gaming graphics, this resolution seems to be a sweet spot with games performing their best and optimisation recommending 2560×1440 for most titles that support it. For editing, this allows a 1080p stream to be displayed at its native resolution while still having space for editing and playback toolbars.

The monitor also has built-in preset modes for CAD/CAM, Animation and Darkroom. CAD/CAM mode increases saturation and contrast to enhance lines and shapes, while the Animation Mode provides adjustable enhancement for details otherwise lost in shadow areas. Darkroom Mode prioritises image sharpness and clarity.

For those Mac users out there, an “M-Book” mode is included. This matches to the response time of a MacBook screen.

To the rear of the monitor are a host of connectivity inputs. An HDMI, Displayport and mini-DP inputs. There is a Displayport output for daisy chaining, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a four-port USB 3.1 hub.

The stand with swivel and height adjustment is a solid affair. The stand also allows the user to rotate the screen into a portrait orientation. The panel also has a 100mm VESA mount for wall-mounting.

The stand also has a hook some believe to be for a headset. During the unboxing video, I corrected myself as there are probably very few users who would use this as it seems like one of the most inconvenient places to keep your headphones.

The BenQ PD2500Q has a pair of 2W built-in speakers, hardly great for consuming media however they cover notifications perfectly well.

At 25 inches, the 2K/QHD resolution of the BenQ PD2500Q provides plenty of real-estate to arrange even the most cluttered of workspaces. A 28-inch version is also available for those who need a little more, however having two 25 inch PD2500Q would provide a pretty amazing amount of desktop work area. The PD2500Q have an 8mm bezel meaning pairing looks tidy and snug.

Mentioned above was the ability to daisy chain screens and the PD2500Q supports Display Port Multi-Stream Transport this allows the screen to require one cable to be connected to the computer. This will appeal to laptop users looking for a multiple-monitor setup as they are more likely to be restricted to a single port output.

To the bottom is a protrusion containing light and proximity sensors. The light sensor adjusts the Brightness Intelligence level depending on the lighting conditions the screen is being used in. A notification pops up to let you know the display’s brightness levels have changed. The notification is a little distracting when concentration but can be turned off in the settings.

Speaking of, the monitor’s controls make use of six buttons along the bottom right of the screen. Any of the five buttons brings up the settings menu and they can be navigated around using various buttons. This is a simple system and almost typical of its type.

The BenQ PD2500Q is simply a great option for those looking for clarity. Whilst some will scoff at the 2K QHD resolution, there is no denying the screen has a crisp and clear image. Out of the box, BenQ has done a great job with the factory calibration settings, however, I’m sure someone, somewhere will find the need to tinker with them.

The BenQ PD2500Q is a marvellous choice for the creative type and even those looking for a little gaming. Media just works on this display and whilst this isn’t the cheapest it is one of the best examples of value for money out there.